When your horse is laid up or when weather conditions are too rough to go out, you can do several simple things to help maintain his muscle tone, keep his joints flexible and his disposition fair.

The relaxation massage routine is a great way to start. This simple routine will allow you to relax your horse anytime, anywhere. With some gentle work over the poll and the sacrum and some tail stretching, you will be able to relax your horse’s nervous system, decreasing his anxiety and nervous stress resulting from boredom.

A gentle application of light effleurage massage moves and some wringing massage moves with the purpose of increasing the blood and lymphatic circulation over his back, neck and legs will assist your horse’s natural healing process. Then use kneading massage moves to loosen muscle tension where you find it. By working the keys areas of muscle attachments, you will prevent the formation of potential stress points (micro-spasms) and trigger points (lactic acid build-up). This swift short massage, 15 to 20 minutes tops, will help you relieve your animal’s build-up of muscular tension resulting from the lack of activity.

ADD SOME STRETCHES

I strongly recommend combining your massage with some simple stretching exercises of the legs, neck and back either during or at the end of your session. This will keep his joints and spine flexible. Furthermore, regular stretching will give you direct feedback on how stiff or how lose your horse is. Regular stretching also will reset the animal body awareness, the same yoga exercises do for a human, and therefore contribute to his overall wellbeing.

BONDING TIME

Regular application of this type of care will contribute to a great feeling of wellbeing for your animal, the same you feel after a good massage. At the same time, you get prime feedback on your horse’s muscular health and overall flexibility. Frequent applications also create a stronger bond between the two of you. These easily learned massage and stretching methods will warn you of any potential problems and will enable you, in a natural way, to actively participate in the care, fitness and wellbeing of your horse.

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WHAT ABOUT THE RIDER?

In “The Rider’s Fitness Guide to a Better Seat” I give some great exercise programs for you the rider, so you can develop and maintain your core muscles and stay limber, even if not riding. There are beginner, intermediate and advanced exercise programs, plenty of pictures and charts to assist you in your fitness and seat control.

You can actively contribute to your horse’s wellness, developing a good home care program for the benefit of your animal friend. He will love you for it. Enjoy your new awareness!

Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt, LMT, CEO Animal Awareness, has practiced as a Licensed Massage Therapist since 1983. His Massage Awareness Method® blends ancient traditional techniques and the latest developments in modern massage therapy. On his website www.animalawareness.com , he offers a free library of articles on relevant topics about young, mature and aging animal care.

For visual guidance to get you started on the right track, visit www.animalawareness.com . Mini-DVDs and many free articles address important aspects of animal wellness and fitness.